Denekin Holiday Cottage

Denekin is a cottage is an extended stone building which has been a popular holiday base for several years. The current owners have upgraded the property (we have received two stars from Visit Scotland) and fenced the 8 acre croft which now is home to sheep and other livestock that make up part of an animal sanctuary. The cottage is in Milovaig, which means small Inlet in Norse, near Glendale, famous for its 19th Century crofters rebellion.

Denekin is a quiet, self-contained cottage in a stunning location. The house nestles into the grassy hillside, up a gravelled driveway from the public road. It is attached to an annexe, which is not rented. The owners, both doctors, make occasional use of it, as do the volunteers on the sanctuary. Several rooms in Denekin face north-west over the sea and the Outer Hebrides, the sunsets are likely to be amazing in summer. A telescope is provided for spotting whales, eagles, and in winter, the Northern Lights. Recently (June 2007) basking sharks were spied in the ocean with the naked eye from the living room. Denekin's elevated coastal location usually means a low midge count.

The house, an extended former crofters residence, is warm, snug and comfortably established. The cottage has an annexe used as an occasional base for animal carers and/or the owners. The sunny kitchen and bedroom face south over the pine trees, and grassy hills dotted with our sheep. Usually the only sounds are of nature –please do bring seed for the bird feeders if you would like. Fresh eggs laid on the croft are available on your arrival and more are available for purchase. The living area, dining area and second bedroom face north-west over the sea. The lounge features two easy chairs and sofa and wood-burning stove, with television and DVD and CD players. Winter is perfect for gathering in front of the fire and drinking in the peace.

Denekin is a homely old-fashioned place, decoration is quirky with lots of natural wood and stones, and includes a large collection of books, including several shelves of local and Scottish interest. The lovely open dining area takes advantage of the views over the ocean, and features a hand-carved wooden table and chairs, as well as window seating. The second bedroom is very small, clothes must be put in cupboards in the spacious hall outside.

The cottage sleeps four, with one double bedroom and a single bedroom ( an extra Z bed on request). There may be a caravan for rent on the croft for the use of teenagers, for example.

Denekin is an animal-friendly place and your well-behaved animals are welcome in our cottage with its natural wooden floors and fenced garden. A catflap provides access for cats and small dogs, and it is usually safe to leave the door open so bigger dogs can go in and out of the fenced garden. Please note you cannot allow unleashed dogs to go into the rest of the sanctuary where there are chickens, lambs and pigs roaming free, but there are some of the most beautiful walks in Britain nearby, including a black sand beach where they can be unleashed.

A caravan 20 metres away may accommodate a discreet housekeeper/ carer for the animals,or be available for rental.

Additional services usually available on request and for a small charge include a laundry service, babysitting, petsitting and internet.

Free dietary advice is offered if requested.